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Date Published: 29/05/2025

Wearing the wrong sunglasses in Spain could land you a €200 fine

Drivers warned as certain lenses are now banned behind the wheel during daylight and night-time hours

As summer sets in across Spain, many of us are reaching for our sunglasses before heading out for a drive. With the strong Mediterranean sun beating down, a good pair of shades can feel like an essential part of your driving kit. In fact, Spain’s traffic authority, the DGT, actively recommends keeping a pair in the car.

But not all sunglasses are safe, or even legal, to wear behind the wheel. Many drivers may be unaware that wearing the wrong type can lead to a fine of up to €200. And yes, that applies even to expensive, designer brands or trendy holiday purchases. Most people assume any pair offering UV protection is fine for driving, there are specific rules around lens categories and types that are easy to miss.

So, which sunglasses are allowed?

Sunglasses are classified by how much light they block, using a category system from 0 to 4. Categories 2 and 3 are the most commonly used for driving in Spain. Category 2 lenses are suitable for cloudy but bright days, while category 3 lenses offer reliable protection on sunny days and are typically recommended for daytime driving.

However, category 4 lenses, the darkest of all, are a serious no-go for drivers. These are designed for extreme sunlight, such as skiing or mountain sports, and block out almost all light. The DGT warns that wearing them while driving drastically reduces visibility, making them both dangerous and illegal on the road.

If you're not sure which category your sunglasses fall into, check the inside of the arm. You should also look for a CE marking and the reference EN 1836:1997, which shows they meet EU safety standards.

Photochromic and polarised lenses: what’s the difference?

The DGT also highlights concerns around photochromic lenses - the ones that automatically darken in sunlight and lighten in the shade. While convenient, they do not always adjust quickly enough when entering or exiting tunnels, which can result in sudden visibility issues. For this reason, they are not recommended for driving.

Polarised lenses, on the other hand, are a much better option. These reduce glare from reflective surfaces, improving clarity and contrast. The DGT advises choosing polarised sunglasses with a UV filter of category 3 and in neutral lens colours like grey, green or brown.

Driving at night or in tunnels? Take them off

Regardless of the tint level, wearing sunglasses at night, in dark conditions, or inside tunnels is strictly prohibited. Visibility is already reduced in these situations, and sunglasses make it even harder to spot hazards. Police consider this a serious offence and may issue an immediate €200 fine.

Looking after your eyes matters

The DGT also reminds drivers that good vision is essential for road safety. Around 90 percent of the information we rely on while driving is processed through our eyes. So, if you haven’t had your eyesight checked recently, now might be the time to book an appointment with an optician.

In short, sunglasses can protect your eyes and make driving safer… but only if they meet the right standards. Choose wisely, check the label, and avoid unnecessary fines or accidents during your summer travels.

Images: Pixabay

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Decklid Auto Services in Mazarrón Decklid Auto Services is a fully licensed and legal British-run garage based in Mazarrón, Murcia in southern Spain, run by David since he and his family came to Spain in 2005.

Since then they have constantly worked hard to continue improving the workshop and to provide more and more services, using the experience David gained while working for three years in a Spanish garage before setting up on his own. His goal now is to provide the best possible service to his British, Spanish and European clients, and recent reviews in the local media in Murcia agree that David at Decklid Auto Services is the one to visit with all your vehicle needs in the area of Mazarrón.

David speaks both English and Spanish to help provide the best service possible.

Decklid Auto Services in Mazarrón Among the services offered are regular servicing, general maintenance and repairs (including cam belts, clutches and engine repairs), ITV pre-checks and full ITV packages, avoiding the need for owners to take their vehicles to the testing centre.

Computer diagnosis is used whenever appropriate, especially for electrical fault finding and air conditioning maintenance and repairs, and of course full tyre replacement and wheel alignment are on the menu as well!

Decklid can also re-register right-hand drive cars in Spain and change the number plates on import.

Opening hours: weekdays 9.00 to 18.00. Closed at weekends!

Telephone: (0034) 868 056 278

Mobile: (0034) 626 678 840

Email: decklid@hotmail.es

Website: www.decklidautos.com

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